Ruddock - Experience will benefit us

Boss Mike Ruddock insisted his Worcester Warriors would learn from the experiences of his season and only improve after victory over Saracens ensured Guinness Premiership rugby next season.

The big win at Sixways Stadium for Ruddock's men, coupled with a win for London Irish at the Madejski Stadium, saw Bristol relegated from the top-flight.

Ruddock admitted it had been a difficult season for his troops in a 'ruthless' league, but was confident Warriors would now grow and show their real potential.

"The table doesn't lie and we have won more games than Bristol," said Ruddock. "We have won six and drawn two - Saracens have won nine so the difference is slim. If only we had nicked those two draws suddenly you are up.

"But it is a tough league, we have seen again this weekend how everyone is capable of beating each other.

"I don't think Bristol are a bad side at all, they were in top European competition last year. It just shows how hard it is and how any team, if you hit a bad patch and lose players, can be under pressure.

"It's a ruthless league, but we are pleased we have picked up the wins that we needed and some excellent ones when you look at.

"We have beaten Wasps, Gloucester and now Saracens, it shows what we have got is the capability to beat the top sides. What we haven't got at the moment is the mental toughness to do it week in and week out.

"Perhaps we need more depth in the squad; perhaps we have had too many injuries. It is something we will reflect on, but on our day we are capable of beating any side.

"I think the experience will benefit the players, there have still been positives. We have been drip feeding the Academy players in, like Alex Grove who has suddenly become an excellent player for us.

"Graham Kitchener has had more game time and Matt Mullan has stepped up, he was like Kitchener last year and now this season he has been our number one loosehead and was picked for England Saxons.

"It is a tough job, but over the next year or two I am hoping that all that work, where we have developed players, will come to fruition and we will have a strong squad and a lot of home grown talent players who are capable of performing at the highest level. Once we crack that I think we will be a successful team."